Toy vehicle accessory

ABSTRACT

An accessory device for use with at least one toy vehicle is provided, wherein the accessory device includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes a first passageway configured to permit the toy vehicle to pass entirely through the first housing. The first housing may further include a second passageway configured to permit the toy vehicle to completely pass through the first housing. A sensor may be positioned along the first passageway, the second passageway, or both. The sensor may be configured to detect the passage of the toy vehicle through the passageway and activate a sensory output generating device. The accessory device further includes a second housing attachable to the first housing and includes a passageway configured to permit the toy vehicle to pass entirely through the second housing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an entertainment device and, moreparticularly, to an accessory device for use with a toy vehicle, whereinthe device includes a sensor to detect the passage of the toy vehiclethrough the accessory.

BACKGROUND

Children enjoy assembling track configurations for toy vehicles, such asracing cars or trains. By connecting a plurality of individual tracksections together, various track configurations may be formed. Theindividual track sections may range in size and shape, some may bestraight, some may feature track switching mechanisms, some may becurved, and some may be shaped as a hill (ascending or descending) forconnection to another track section positioned at a higher or lowerlevel, respectively. The track sections, moreover, may beinterchangeable. For example, each track section may include a maleconnector at one end and a female connector at the opposite end, or eachtrack section may include a male connector and a female connector oneach end. The male and female connectors allow the track sections to beremovably connected to one another in an end-to-end configuration.

Track configurations are often incorporated into a larger system thatcan be altered as the needs and desires of a child change. Trackconfigurations can range from very simple ovals to complex systemsincorporating accessories such as bridges, buildings, tunnels, andstorefronts. Other track accessories are also available to lend agreater sense of realism to the overall system, including toy figures,bushes, shrubs, and trees. As a result, children are able to augment atrack system with realistic accessories, further having the ability tocontinuously alter the system. Providing a track accessory that itselfis not only realistic, but also is capable of reconfiguration wouldfurther the enjoyment of the overall system. Consequently, it would bedesirable to provide additional track accessories that are bothinterchangeable and realistic.

The present invention is generally directed to an accessory for a toyvehicle that may be used in toy track systems, including railwaysystems. More specifically, this invention is directed to a toy vehicleaccessory including multiple vehicle pathways and a sensor that detectsthe passing of a toy vehicle through the passageways of the accessory.

SUMMARY

Generally, the embodiments of the present invention provide an accessorydevice or toy and, more particularly, an accessory for toy vehiclesincluding a sensor that detects the presence of a vehicle passingthrough the accessory and generates output as a result of the detectionof the toy vehicle's passage through the accessory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an accessory device for a toyvehicle according to an embodiment of the invention showing a firsthousing and a second housing of the accessory configured in a stackedformation.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the accessory devicefor a toy vehicle of FIG. 1 showing only the first housing of theaccessory.

FIG. 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the accessory devicefor a toy vehicle of FIG. 1 showing only the second housing of theaccessory.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.1.

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective view of the firsthousing of the accessory of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an accessory device for a toyvehicle according to an embodiment of the invention showing the firsthousing and the second housing of the accessory of FIG. 1, reconfiguredin a side-by-side configuration.

FIG. 7 illustrates an electronics schematic diagram of an accessorydevice for a toy vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elementsthroughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present invention, an accessory device for usewith a toy vehicle is disclosed. An embodiment of the accessory deviceof the present invention may comprise a first housing and a secondhousing attachable to the first housing. The first housing includes avehicle passageway and a sensor operable to detect the passage of a toyvehicle through the passageway. The first and second housings arecapable of vertical (stacked) or lateral (side-by-side) configurations.Another embodiment of the accessory device for use with a toy vehicle inaccordance with the present invention may comprise a housing including aplurality of vehicle passageways and sensors, each sensor capable ofdetecting the passage of the toy vehicle through the passageways.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an accessory device for a toyvehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, thetoy vehicle accessory device 100 may include a first housing 200 and asecond housing 300. The first housing 200 and second housing 300 may beof any shape or size. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1,the housings may be stylized as portions of a clock tower.

First housing 200 may include at least one passageway configured topermit a toy vehicle to pass entirely through the first housing 200.FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view in perspective of the first housing200 according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the firsthousing 200 includes a controller section 400 and a sensor or passagewaysection 210 disposed under the controller section 400. The controllersection 400 may be adapted to house the electronics assembly of theaccessory device 100. Specifically, the controller housing 400 maycomprise a generally hollow structure, including a first outer wall 405,a second outer wall 410, a third outer wall 415, and a fourth outer wall420. The outer walls 405, 410, 415, and 420 are configured such that thefirst wall 405 and the third wall 415 are parallel to each other, andthe second wall 410 and the fourth wall 420 are also parallel to eachother.

The outer walls 405, 410, 415, 420 of the controller housing 400 extendupward from sensor section 210 and include a cover 425. The cover 425may be of any shape and size. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the cover 425is stylized as a slanted roof structure. The cover 425 includes anactuator 430 disposed proximate its center. As discussed in detailbelow, the actuator 430 is coupled to a microprocessor which is capableof producing sensory stimulating electronic output such as lights andsounds. The actuator 430 may comprise, but is not limited to, a pressuresensitive switch, a magnetic switch, and any other well-known type ofelectronic switch. By way of example, the actuator 430 shown in FIG. 2is a spring-loaded, depressible, mechanical switch. By way of furtherexample, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the actuator430 is stylized as a chimney, and is axially depressible in thedirection of arrow P into the cover 425 by exerting a downward forcethereon.

The controller section 400 may further include an animated or moveablemember 440. The structure of the animated member 440 is not limited tothat which is shown in FIG. 2. The animated member 440 may be motorized,manually operated, or both. By way of example, and as shown in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the animated member 440 may be shapedlike a platform or disk capable of manual rotation about thelongitudinal axis of the controller section 400, as depicted by arrow R.The diameter of the disk-shaped animated member 440 is larger than thedistance between the longitudinal axis of the controller section 400 andthe centers of each of outer walls 405, 410, 415, 420; and therefore,portions of the disk-shaped animated member 440 extend through anaperture 435 positioned along the base of each outer wall 405, 410, 415,420. As shown, one portion A of the disk-shaped animated member 440protrudes from the aperture 435 located in the fourth outer wall 420,while another portion B of the disk-shaped animated member 440 protrudesthrough the aperture 435 located in the third outer wall 415. Two moreportions of the disk-shaped animated member 440 extend beyond theapertures contained in the first 405 and second 410 outer walls (notshown). Because the disk-shaped animated member 440 extends through theapertures 435, a user can easily manipulate or rotate the animatedmember 440. The animated member 440, furthermore, may be coupled to aswitch (not shown) that is engaged when the animated member 440 isrotated in either direction. The degree of rotation of the animatedmember 440 capable of engaging the rotational switch is not limited, andincludes values ranging from about 11 to 360°. By way of example,rotating the animated member 440 90° may engage the switch. By way offurther example, and in referring to FIG. 2, rotating the animatedmember 440 such that portion A, originally in the aperture 435 locatedin the fourth outer wall 420 until it is positioned within the aperture435 located in the third outer wall 415, may engage the switch. When therotational switch is engaged, it communicates with the microprocessorhoused in the controller section 400, which, in turn, produces thedesired electronic sensory output (discussed in more detail below).

The sensor section 210 is disposed below the controller section 400 andmay be formed as a generally hollow structure containing at least onesensing device. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor section 210 is generallyrectangular in shape, including a first outermost wall 230, a secondoutermost wall 235, a third outermost wall 240, and a fourth outermostwall 245. The walls are configured such that the first outermost wall230 directly opposes the third outermost wall 240, and that the secondoutermost wall 235 directly opposes the fourth outermost wall 245. Thesensor section 210 may further include one or more portions that defineone or more vehicle passageways. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the sensorsection 210 includes an upper portion 220 and a lower portion 250.

The upper portion 220 of the sensor section 210 is configured to definea first passageway 265 to permit a toy vehicle to pass entirely throughthe first housing 200. Specifically, the upper portion 210 is configuredsuch that the opposed second and fourth outermost walls 235, 245 includeopenings 267 adapted to permit the passage of a toy vehicle through thefirst housing 200.

The lower portion 250 of the sensor section 210 is disposed below theupper portion 220 of the sensor section 210. The outermost walls 230,235, 240, and 245 of the lower portion 250 may further define a secondpassageway 275 running parallel to the first passageway 265 andconfigured to permit a toy vehicle to pass entirely through the firsthousing 200. Specifically, the opposed second and fourth outermost walls235, 245 include openings 277 adapted to permit the passage of a toyvehicle through the first housing 200. The lower portion 250 of thesensor section 210 may further include a third passageway 285 that isperpendicular to and intersects the second passageway 275. The opposedfirst and third outermost walls 230, 240 include openings 287 adapted topermit the passage of a toy vehicle entirely through the first housing200. With this configuration, two transverse (intersecting) travelpassageways are created within the lower portion 250 of the sensorsection 210.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the upper and lower portions 220, 250 of thesensor section 210 may be separated by a platform 270. The platform 270includes a generally planar surface. With this configuration, theplatform 270 serves not only as the floor of the upper portion 220 ofthe sensor section 210, but also as the ceiling of the lower portion 250of the sensor section 210. The sensor section 210 may further includeone or more platform extensions 272 protruding transversely from thesecond outer and fourth outer walls 235, 245. The extensions 272 areoriented in the same plane as the platform 270 to provide a continuoustravel surface for the toy vehicle from the platform 270 to theextension 272. One or more buttresses 255 may be used to provide supportfor the extensions 272.

Removable sections of vehicle track T may be placed into any one or moreof the first 265, second 275, and third 285 passageways. By way ofexample, a sectional track T for a toy railway system may be utilized.An example of such a removable sectional track T for a toy railwaysystem is disclosed in the commonly assigned, co-pending, U.S.application Ser. No. 10/285,698 (entitled “Toy Track and Method ofAssembling and Disassembling the Same”), which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

In accordance with the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 2, atleast one of the passageways 265, 275, 285 of the sensor section 210includes a sensing device 500 adapted to detect the presence of a toyvehicle passing through the first housing 200. The sensing device 500may be, but is not limited to, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor,and/or a mechanical sensor. The sensing device 500 utilized in theembodiment of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 1-7 is an opticalsensor.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the accessory device 100 for atoy vehicle of FIG. 1 showing only the second housing 300. The secondhousing 300 comprises a generally hollow structure having asubstantially rectangular configuration including a first outer wall310, a second outer wall 315, a third outer wall 320 and a fourth outerwall 325. The second housing 300 is configured such that the first outerwall 310 is parallel to the third outer wall 320, and the second outerwall 315 is parallel to the fourth outer wall 325. An upper platform 330is disposed above and supported by the outer walls 310, 315, 320, 325.The size and shape of the upper platform 330 is not limited, andincludes sizes coextensive with the outermost walls 310, 315, 320, 325,as well as sizes extending beyond the walls (as shown). When the upperplatform 330 extends beyond the outer walls 310, 315, 320, 325 a seriesof buttresses 340 extending from an outermost wall to the underside ofthe upper platform 330 may be used to provide additional support. Theupper platform 330 may support one or more track portions or segments380. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper platform 330 supports twointersecting track segments 380. The track segments 380 may be orientedsuch that when the first housing 200 is attached to the second housing300 as illustrated in FIG. 1, the track segments 380 define the secondand third passageways 275, 285 of FIG. 2. The track segments 380 may bepermanently attached to the upper platform 330 (as shown in FIG. 3) orthey may be removable segments as described above.

The second housing 300 is further configured to permit a toy vehicle topass entirely through the housing 300. Specifically, the second outerwall 315 and the fourth outer wall 325 include openings 357 that definea fourth passageway 355 configured to permit a toy vehicle to passthrough through the second housing 300. As with the first, second, andthird passageways 265, 275, 285, sections of vehicle track T may beplaced into the fourth passageway 355. The second housing 300 may alsoinclude a sensing device (not shown) similar to those describe hereinand may be configured to detect the passage of a toy vehicle through thesecond housing 300 and along the fourth passageway 355.

The upper platform 330 also includes one or more posts or tabs 360located on its upper surface. The tabs 360 help to attach the firsthousing 200 to the second housing 300 in the stacked configuration asshown in FIG. 1 and as described in greater detail below with respect toFIG. 5.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1, of theaccessory device 100 for a toy vehicle according to the embodiment ofthe invention. As shown, each of the lower portion 250 and the upperportion 220 of the sensor section 210 includes an optical sensor todetect the passage of a toy vehicle through the first housing 200. Eachoptical sensor 500 includes a light emitting portion 510 and a lightreceiving portion 520, both of which define a “sensor pair.” The type ofoptical sensor pair is not limited herein and any type of optical sensorcapable of detecting the passage of a toy vehicle through the firsthousing 200 may be utilized without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. By way of example, the light emitting portion 510 mayinclude any suitable light emitting component (e.g., light emittingdiodes (LEDs), infrared emitting diodes, and laser diodes). Aparticularly preferred light emitting element is an ultra-bright orangeLED. In addition, the type of light receiving portion 520 is notlimited, so long as it is capable of sensing variations in the intensityor transmission of the signal from the corresponding light emittingelement. By way of example, the light receiving portion 520 may includelight receiving components such as phototransistors, photoconductivecells (CdS), and infrared receivers. A particularly preferred lightreceiving portion 520 is a photoconductive (CdS) cell available underthe trade name KE-15930 and produced by Waitrony Co. Ltd (HongKong—www.waitrony.com).

The position of the light emitting portions 510 and the light receivingportions 520 within the sensor section 210 is not limited, so long as itis operable to enable a vehicle traveling through one of the passagewaysin the first housing 200 to activate the sensor 500 (i.e., to interruptthe light beam traveling from one of the light emitting portions 510 tothe associated one of the light receiving portions 520). As shown inFIG. 4, each of the light emitting portions 510 is positioned along thesame horizontal plane as its associated light receiving portion 520.Each of light emitting portions 510 and the light receiving portions 520is positioned within a corner portion of one of the passageways, wheretwo adjacent outer walls meet. Each of the light emitting portions 510,moreover, is placed directly across from its associated light receivingportion 520. The sensor pairs 510, 520, furthermore, may be positionedproximate the longitudinal center of the passageways (i.e., proximatethe longitudinal center of each portion 220, 250 of the sensor section210). Electrical wiring, illustrated as 530, is connected to each of thelight emitting portions 510 and the light receiving portions 520. Thewiring 530 extends from each sensor pair 510, 520 to a microprocessor540 contained within the controller housing 400. With thisconfiguration, when a toy vehicle travels through one of the passagewaysin the first housing 200, it crosses the beam of light generated by thelight emitting portion 510, interrupting the beam to the light receivingportions 520. This interruption generates a signal to the microprocessor540, which, in turn, generates a predetermined electronic sensoryoutput.

As discussed above with respect to FIG. 2, the actuator 430 is axiallydepressible in the direction of arrow P into the cover 425 when adownward force is applied. Depression of the spring-loaded actuator 430activates a mechanical switch 710 which then communicates a signal tothe microprocessor 540 to perform a specified function (as described ingreater detail below).

FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged bottom perspective view of the firsthousing 200 of the accessory 100 of FIG. 2. The first housing 200 andthe second housing 300 may be configured for removable attachment withone another. The first housing 200 and the second housing 300 mayinclude a structure operable to permit the first housing 200 to bemounted on top of the second housing 300. Specifically, the firsthousing 200 includes one or more recesses 550 located along theunderside (bottom) of the outer walls 230, 235, 240, 245 of the firsthousing 200. The recesses 550 may be aligned with and are adapted tofrictionally engage one or more of the tabs 360 located on the upperplatform 330 of the second housing 300 (see FIG. 3). This structureallows the first housing 200 to be removeably, but stably, stacked ontop of and secured to the second housing 300 as illustrated in FIG. 1.Note that the number, size, or shape of the recesses 550 may be varied,so long as the tab 360 and recess 550 pair functions to removably securethe first housing 200 to the second housing 300. By way of example, therecess 550 may include a circular or polygonal (e.g., hexagonal, etc.)shape. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 3, the first housing 200includes four recesses 550 adapted to receive four cylindrical tabs 360located on the upper platform 330 of the second housing 300.

With the above-described structure, the accessory device 100 is capableof multiple configurations. Specifically, the accessory device 100 maybe assembled in a vertical or stacked configuration, wherein the firsthousing 200 is mounted on top of the second housing 300 by means of thetab/recess structure 360, 550 described above and shown in FIG. 1. Inaddition, the accessory device 100 may be assembled in a lateral orside-by-side configuration, wherein the first housing 200 is positionedadjacent to the second housing 300. FIG. 6 illustrates the lateral orside-by-side configuration of the accessory device 100. As shown in FIG.6, the upper platform 330 of the second housing 300 abuts the platformextension 272 of the first housing 200 to provide a continuous travelsurface along the platform extension 272 and the upper platform 330.Furthermore, in this lateral or side-by-side configuration, the fourthpassageway 355 of second housing 300 may be aligned with either thesecond passageway 275 (as shown) or the third passageway 285 of thefirst housing 200. As with each individual passageway, sections ofvehicle track T may be placed into any one or more of these combinedpassageways.

As discussed above, the accessory device 100 may include one or moreelectronic components. FIG. 7 illustrates an electronics schematicdiagram of an accessory device for a toy vehicle according to anembodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, theelectronics assembly 700 includes two optical sensors. Specifically, theelectronics assembly 700 includes two LED emitters (light emittingportions) 705, 715 and corresponding photoconductive receivers (lightreceiving portions) 725, 735 (e.g., where one light emitting portion andone light receiving portion makes up a first “sensor pair” for the upperportion 220 of the sensor section 210 and a second “sensor pair” isdesignated for the lower portion 250 of the sensor section 210).

The electronics assembly 700 further includes three switches, eachswitch being associated with a particular feature of the accessory 100.For instance, a first switch 710 (SW1) may be associated with thedepressible chimney actuator 430. When engaged, the first switch 710communicates with the microprocessor 540, and switch-specific sensoryoutput (sounds and/or lights) is generated. A second switch 720 (SW2)may be associated with the animated member 440. When the second switch720 is engaged (i.e., when the animated member 440 is rotated), thesecond switch 720 communicates with the microprocessor 540, which, inturn, generates switch-specific sensory output (e.g., sounds and/orlights). The second switch 720 may also include one or more secondary orsub-switches (not shown) that serve as positional designations,communicating the exact rotational position of the animated member 440to the microprocessor 540. That is, microprocessor 540 is configured todetermine the rotational position of the animated member 440 (i.e., ifthe animated member 440 is rotated 0°, 90°, 180°, or 270°), generating aposition-specific output. A third switch 730 (SW3) may be used tocontrol the connection of a power source 770 to the electronics assembly700 (turning it on and off). The power source 770 may include, forexample, three “AAA” batteries. The electronics assembly 700 may furtherinclude a speaker 760 coupled to both the microprocessor 540 and thepower source 770.

As noted above, each of the speaker 760, the power source 770, the lightemitters 705, 715, the light receivers 725, 735, and the switches 710,720, 730 are operatively coupled (connected) to the microprocessor 540.The type of microprocessor is not limited, and includesmicrocontrollers, microprocessors, and other integrated circuits.Microprocessor 540 recognizes and controls signals generated by thelight emitters, the light receivers, and the various switches. Inaddition, it generates and controls operational output. Themicroprocessor 540 continually monitors the electronic status of thelight emitters 705, 715, the light receivers 725, 735, and the switches710, 720, 730, generating and altering the sensory output (e.g., soundsand/or lights) accordingly.

In operation, when the third switch 730 is engaged, power is sent fromthe power source 770 to the microprocessor 540. When the first switch710 (the chimney switch—SW1) is engaged, the microprocessor 540 receivesa signal from the first switch 710 and generates appropriate output (viathe speaker 760), such as a bell chime, and activates the light emitters705, 715 and the light receivers 725, 735. Once powered and active, ifthe second switch 720 is engaged (i.e., if the animated member 440 isrotated clockwise or counterclockwise a sufficient distance), themicroprocessor 540 identifies not only the signal from second switch720, but also the animated member's 440 rotational position, andgenerates switch-specific and position-specific sensory output (soundsand/or lights). The sensory output may include, for example, one of fourdifferent song melodies, one melody for each rotational position.Furthermore, if the animated member 440 is again rotated during songplay, the microprocessor 540 will recognize the new position of thesecond switch 720 and alter the output by changing the melody.

The microprocessor 540 may also control the pattern of output createdwhen the sensor 500 detects a toy vehicle passing through one of thepassageways. In addition, the microprocessor 540 may generate a specificoutput pattern due to sensor 500 activation. Briefly, the microprocessor540 is configured to count the number of times a sensor has beenactivated, and to generate a cyclical pattern sensory output. Forexample, the first time the sensor 500 is activated (i.e., the firsttime a toy vehicle traveling through one of the passageways interrupts alight beam from the light emitters 705, 715 (see 510 in FIG. 4) to oneof the light receivers 725, 735 (see 520 in FIG. 4)), a first output isproduced (e.g., a series of identical bell chimes) via the speaker 760.The microprocessor 540 tracks this information, and the second time thesensor 500 is activated, a second output is produced (e.g., a series ofvarying bell chimes). Accordingly, the third time the sensor 500 isactivated, the microprocessor 540 generates a third output (e.g., asong). If any sensor activation produces song output, as discussedabove, the microprocessor 540 reads the position of the animated member440 and generates a predetermined melody based on the rotationalposition of the second switch 720. Alternatively, the microprocessor 540may generate output independent of the position of the animated member440. This three-output pattern may then repeat itself. That is, themicroprocessor 540 may generate additional output for additional sensoractivations, or may cycle the pattern, beginning again at the firstoutput.

As illustrated, if more than one sensor 500 is present in the sensorhousing 210, the microprocessor 540 may generate the same output patternregardless of which sensor 500 is activated. For example, when thesensor section 210 includes one sensor 500 disposed in the upper portion220 and one sensor disposed in the lower portion 250 (as shown in FIG.2), the microprocessor 540 may track sensor activation collectively.Consequently, when a toy vehicle travels through the upper portion 220and through the first passageway 265, the sensor 500 in the upperportion 220 is activated and a first output is generated. If a toyvehicle then travels through the lower portion 250 and, consequently,through either the second or third passageways 275 or 285, the sensor500 of the lower portion 250 is activated and a second output isgenerated. In the alternative, the microprocessor 540 may track sensoractivation individually, generating an independent output pattern foreach sensor 500 located within the sensor section 210.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the accessorydevice 100 can be of any size and shape. The accessory device 100 neednot be stylized as portions of a clock tower, and can be stylized asother man-made structures including but not limited to office buildings,airport hangers, residential structures, etc. The accessory device 100may also be stylized as natural formations such as caves, mountains,etc. The accessory device 100 may include any number of housings thatmay or may not interconnect. The housings may be connected by mountingone on top of another, or in side-by-side arrangement. Each of thehousings may comprise any number of sections and may include any numberof passageways. Each housing or passageway may include any number ofsensors to detect the toy vehicle's passage through the passageway. Asillustrated above with respect to the second and third passageways 275and 285, a single sensor may be used to generate a signal along multiplepassageways. The sensor, moreover, may comprise any suitable sensorcapable of detecting the toy vehicle passing through a housing or alonga passageway, including a vehicle traveling on a track. The toy vehiclemay be of any size or shape capable of passing entirely through thehousing of the accessory. The toy vehicle may be motorized or manuallyoperated. The toy vehicle may be stylized as a train, or any other typeof vehicle including, but not limited to, cars, buses, airplanes,helicopters, construction equipment, rescue vehicles, motorcycles, etc.The electronic sensory output generating device may produce lightsand/or sound, including music, speech and sound effects. The outputpattern is not limited and includes any pattern of music, lights, and/orsound effects. The electronics assembly may include additional switchesto provide additional electronic sensory output activation. Thus, it isintended that the present invention covers the modifications andvariations of this invention that come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

1. An accessory device for use with a toy vehicle, the accessorycomprising: a first housing including: a first passageway adapted topermit said toy vehicle to pass entirely through said first housing, asecond passageway adapted to permit said toy vehicle to pass entirelythrough said first housing; a first sensor positioned along said firstpassageway to detect the passage of said toy vehicle through said firsthousing along said first passageway; and a second sensor positionedalong said second passageway to detect the passage of said toy vehiclealong said second passageway.
 2. The accessory device of claim 1,wherein said first housing further includes a third passagewaytransverse to said second passageway that permits said toy vehicle topass entirely through said first housing, and said second sensor iscapable of detecting passage of said toy vehicle along said thirdpassageway.
 3. The accessory device of claim 1, further including asecond housing configured to attach to said first housing, said secondhousing including a fourth passageway that permits said toy vehicle topass entirely through said second housing.
 4. The accessory device ofclaim 3 wherein said first housing is configured to mount to said secondhousing in a stacked configuration.
 5. The accessory device of claim 3,wherein at least one of said first and second housings further includesa sensory output generating device.
 6. The accessory device of claim 5,wherein said first sensor actuates said sensory output generating deviceto generate a sensory output as a result of a detection of the passageof said toy vehicle through said first housing along said firstpassageway.
 7. The accessory device of claim 5, wherein said sensoryoutput generating device produces an audible output.
 8. The accessorydevice of claim 5, wherein said second sensor actuates said sensoryoutput generating device as a result of a detection of the passage ofsaid toy vehicle through said second housing along said secondpassageway.
 9. The accessory device of claim 3, wherein said first andsecond housings are configurable in a side-by-side relationship suchthat said second passageway of said first housing is parallel to saidfourth passageway of said second housing.
 10. The accessory device ofclaim of 1, wherein a first track portion is housed within said secondpassageway.
 11. The accessory device of claim of 2, wherein a secondtrack portion is housed within said third passageway.
 12. The accessorydevice of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first sensor and saidsecond sensor is an optical sensor.
 13. The accessory device of claim 1,wherein said first passageway is parallel to said second passageway. 14.An accessory device for use with a toy vehicle comprising: a firsthousing including: a first passageway configured to permit said toyvehicle to pass entirely through said first housing, and a first sensorcapable of detecting the passage of said toy vehicle through said firsthousing; and a second housing configured to attach to said firsthousing, said second housing including a passageway configured to permitsaid toy vehicle to pass entirely through said second housing.
 15. Theaccessory device of claim 14, wherein said first housing furtherincludes a second passageway configured to permit said vehicle to passentirely through said first housing.
 16. The accessory device of claim15 further including a second sensor disposed along said secondpassageway, wherein said second sensor is capable of detecting thepassage of said toy vehicle through said first housing.
 17. Theaccessory device of claim 14, wherein at least one of said first housingand said second housing further includes a sensory output generatingdevice.
 18. The accessory device of claim 17, wherein said first sensoractivates said sensory output generating device to generate a sensoryoutput as a result of a detection of the passage of said toy vehiclethrough said first housing along said first passageway.
 19. Theaccessory device of claim 18, wherein said second sensor activates saidsensory output generating device to generate a sensory output as aresult of a detection of the passage of said toy vehicle through saidfirst housing along said second passageway.
 20. The accessory device ofclaim of 17, wherein said sensory output generating device produces anaudible output.
 21. The accessory device of claim of 14, wherein saidfirst housing is configurable in a side-by-side relationship withrespect to said second housing such that said first passageway of saidfirst housing is parallel to said second housing passageway.
 22. Theaccessory device of claim 14, wherein said first sensor is an opticalsensor.
 23. The accessory device of claim 16, wherein said second sensoris an optical sensor.
 24. The accessory device of claim 15, wherein atrack portion is housed within at least one of said first passageway andsaid second passageway.
 25. The accessory device of claim 15 furtherincluding a third passageway configured to permit said toy vehicle topass entirely through said first housing, wherein said third passagewayis non-parallel with respect to at least one of said first passagewayand said second passageway.
 26. The accessory device of claim 15,wherein said first housing is configured to mount to said second housingin a stacked configuration.